Checking in and looking for advice on first purchases

[TheJimGuy]

E-bikes are fine, but be cautious of the 5 bills out of the box thought. I ran across several at 4 to 7 bills that fail to mention that the batteries were extra. $300-$550 extra depending on type (lead acid, NiMH, LiFePO4, Li-ion) and last for 500-700 charges.
Just informing.

 

[TheJimGuy]

Need to add that I have two I-Zip 500 (Schwinn s500, one 24v, one 36v) as well as a s750 (750w) and a Stealth (1,000w). The "advertised" 15 mile range on a single charge was never realized. Best I ever got was 11 miles (Live in Florida on the coast, = flat). Within 4 months 8 miles was iffy. By the beginning of the year, 4 miles was a lucky day. The SLA batteries were $35 each ($70-$105 per scooter[/U]). Needed 11 batteries per year replaced. In bulk from a local outlet I got a discount to $27 buying 15. Still $405. Speed is regulated by the PWM to 12mph (unless you eliminate the PWM by reversing the motor housing).
This is the reason I eventually went to motorized bikes. One time purchase. No deteriorating distance issues. No slow speed issue.

 

[Fraz]

This is the reason I eventually went to motorized bikes. One time purchase. No deteriorating distance issues. No slow speed issue.

You Sir, make a convincing argument . . . hmmm :-/

 

[Sidewinder Jerry]

Here are important questions to consider when building or buying for yourself or others:

1) What is the predominant riding terrain?
(Level ground, hills, asphalt or dirt etc...)

2) What type of physique does the primary rider have?
(Large, small, short, tall or health issues etc...)

3) What will the rider's local laws allow and require them to have?
(Lookup and personally read these laws.)

4) What kind of bike is being motorized?
(Mountain, road, whizzer or recumbent etc...)

5) What is the bike to be used for?
(Shows, long trips, around town, off road or racing etc...)

6) How much of a budget is to be used for the build or buy?
(All at the start or as you can afford projects etc...)

Seek the answers to these questions in order to get the most out of the bike you're building or buying. We're here to help with any questions you may have. The purpose of the "Questions to Consider" is not to overwhelm or confuse you. Rather help you focus in on what will work best for you and help you develop a building and/or buying philosophy. This site has lots of people who can help you but the only way they can is by asking questions. Any one of the questions to consider somebody here can help you with.

A fool never learns from their mistakes.

A smart person learns from their mistakes.

A wise person learns from the mistakes of others.

Good luck with your build or buy.

"I became rich by hiring people smarter than me". Andrew Carnegie